Highland Games Brings Scotland to the Village

As the crow flies, Glasgow, Scotland, is just a wee bit more than 3,600 miles from Wauwatosa. But tomorrow it will feel a whole lot closer as the the Highland Games come to .

As the oldest ethnic festival in the state, the Highland Games is celebrating its 74th continuous year, said David Berger, an event coordinator and board member of Milwaukee’s St. Andrew’s Society.

The Games present a spectacle of music, dance, Celtic clan culture and men in traditional Scottish garb.

Yes, real men wear skirts. Heavy athletic competition of caber, hammer and ax throwing and longbow skills will take place in the open areas of the park.

“Scottish kings had warrior tests to determine the skill and strength of their men before going into battle,” Berger said of the background of those competitions.

Scottish bands and bagpipers will compete in the park’s stadium area. “There will be 18 pipe bands from all over the region, including the Police Pipe and Drum Band and Celtic Nation,” he said.

The park’s Muellner Building is the site of the dance competition. Traditional Scottish dances, such as the Highland Fling and the more dangerous sounding Sword Dance will be featured.  

Ancient Scotland was made up of tribal clans, each with its own customs, coat of arms and dress – most notably kilts with their distinctive plaids. The Parade of the Tartans, scheduled for noon, is always a highlight of the day. Berger will be wearing his clan’s traditional MacLaren tartan kilt. 

If you think clans are distinguished only by the color and pattern of their tartan, think again. Clans from all over Scotland will be represented. “Clan tents will be set up so you can learn about each one. It’s really quite interesting,” Berger said of their origins, customs and dress. 

Various demonstrations featuring sheepdogs, kilts and weapons are scheduled. Learn about ancient weapons and Scottish history in the Cultural Tent. The Scots lay claim to the game of golf, so there will be a golf challenge around midday. 

All are welcome, but if you’re feeling a bit left out because you have no clan to call your own, you too can look like the reincarnation of William Wallace or a fair Scottish lass with a visit to the Scottish Village where all manner of tartan apparel, jewelry and gift items are for sale. 

What would an ethnic festival be without food and drink? There is a beer tent and, of course, there will be corned beef and meat pies. But at the Highland Games, everyone is Scottish, so festival-goers can look forward to gelato and menu offerings by the village’s popular Mexican restaurant, . There will be cross-cultural fare as well with a haggis taco-eating contest.

The Tribe of the Blue Rose re-enactors will be on hand to demonstrate ancient celtic traditions and battles. “They are a big attraction for the kids,” Berger said. “The re-enactors spend a lot of time with them and it’s great fun.”

Although the demonstrations and competitions take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Berger said the Ceilidh, which starts around 6 p.m. is all about food, music and Scottish merriment and not to be missed.

For a complete schedule of events and activities, visit www.milwaukeescottishfest.com

Things to know and when to go:

When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hart Park in the Village of Wauwatosa

Admission: $10 

Admission is free for active military in uniform and children under 12 years old. Before 10 a.m. admission is $7 with a donation of a non-perishable food item. All food donations will be given to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Milwaukee.

Parking: On festival grounds, $3, subject to availability. Enter off 70th Street.